A recent attack on a healthcare worker at an Edmonton psychiatric hospital has sparked concerns among union officials, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced support and safety measures for frontline workers facing workplace violence. The incident took place on Christmas Day at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, a 300-bed addiction and mental health facility managed by Recovery Alberta.
According to the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, the assault resulted in significant injuries to the healthcare worker and caused distress among the facility’s staff. Limited information is available regarding the exact location of the attack and the identities of the two patients involved.
Law enforcement responded to the incident following a distress call before 2 a.m. on December 25, resulting in the arrest of two male suspects, with pending charges. The injured worker has been discharged from the hospital following treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Recovery Alberta promptly activated emergency protocols and emphasized its commitment to addressing workplace violence seriously. The organization refrained from further comments to respect the ongoing investigation and the privacy of the affected worker.
Criticism has been directed at Recovery Alberta by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees for alleged mishandling of the assault incident, citing a failure to promptly report the occurrence and provide necessary support to union members. The union stressed the importance of comprehensive support for workers facing occupational health and safety challenges, including violence in the workplace.
United Nurses of Alberta, Local 183 President Michael Perry expressed shock over the incident, highlighting the broader concerns for worker safety arising from such events. Perry called for a thorough investigation by provincial workplace safety authorities to determine the circumstances of the assault and recommend preventive measures.
The incident underscores the urgent need for timely reporting of workplace violence and mental health support, particularly in healthcare settings where employees are frequently exposed to various forms of abuse. Unions have observed a troubling increase in such incidents, exacerbated by the ongoing strain on the healthcare system due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perry emphasized the prevalence of workplace violence in the healthcare sector, labeling it as a common yet concerning issue that demands attention.